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quinta-feira, 9 de janeiro de 2014

This Ancient Martial Art Can Fight Disease, Calm The Mind And Slow Aging.

Americans have no difficulty
adopting ancient practices into their health regimens. Take yoga, the ancient mind-body
practice and contemporary fitness craze (and $27 billion industry), which
continues its prominence in the mainstream -- even after decades of increasing
popularity. Many forms of meditation, likewise, have been touted
for stress-relieving, health-promoting benefits by prominent
leaders in business, media and the arts. And then there's tai chi.

Like yoga, tai chi is a type of
moving meditation -- a gentle exercise that focuses on the breath and
prioritizes ease of movement-- that comes with a host of health benefits. And, like yoga, there are distinct
styles and lineages of tai chi along with more modern and hybrid incarnations.

Many of the tai chi moves
tell stories and involve mimicking animals -- featuring names like "Embrace
the tiger and return to mountain" and "White crane spreads its
wings" -- all performed with relaxed muscles and ease of movement. Through maintaining focus on the
breath and physical movements, the practitioner is thought to be able to help
to direct the flow of Qi, or life force, in the body.

The practice originated over
2,000 years ago in China as a martial art called T'ai chi ch'uan. It is
said to have been created in the Wu Dong Mountains by a Taoist
priest, who observed a white crane preying on a snake and
then mimicked its actions. Today, tai chi is known as a low-impact exercise
popular with older adults and practiced by over 2
million Americans each year. Harvard
University has even devoted a research program to studying the health benefits
of the ancient Chinese art.

"In this high-tech
world that's all about speed, greed and instant gratification, tai chi is the
antidote to bring us back to balanced health," Arthur Rosenfeld, tai chi
master and author of Tai Chi: The Perfect Exercise, told Reuters.

Here
are five reasons why tai chi could very well be the "new" yoga.

It
helps prevent and fight disease.

Studies have found that
when used to supplement traditional forms of treatment, tai chi can help
maintain bone density, reduce pain among arthritis patients, promote heart
health, reduce hypertension, and improve quality of life and reduce stress for
breast cancer patients, among other health benefits.

"A growing body of
carefully conducted research is building a compelling case for tai chi as an
adjunct to standard medical treatment for the prevention and rehabilitation of
many conditions commonly associated with age," Peter M. Wayne, Harvard
Medical School professor and director of the Tai Chi and Mind-Body Research
Program, told Harvard
Health Publications.

In tai chi, the focus of the
mind is on the breath and the physical sensations in the body, which can help
to still racing thoughts and increase body awareness. These meditative aspects
of the practice help to bring the practitioner many of the same cognitive
benefits of traditional seated meditation, including an increased sense of
awareness, calm and well-being.

Tai
chi may also help to boost well-being by improving both the length and quality
of practitioner's sleep. A 2008 UCLA study found that practicing tai chi
chih, one particular variation of the practice, was effective in improving
moderate sleep complaints among older adults. It also reduced drowisness and
inability to concentrate during the day.

It
can help you age gracefully.

Tai
chi can help improve
flexibility and
promote a health range of motion in older adults, while also building muscle
strength. What's more, women at risk for or suffering from osteoporosis should
take note that research has found tai chi to be effective in increasing mineral
bone density.

Tai chi could also be one of
the most effective methods of promoting good balance and preventing falls in
older adults, according to
WebMD. Research
from the National Institute on Aging found that tai chi reduced fear of falls
and risk of falling among older adults.

It can teach you how to slow
down -- and how to let go.

The term tai chi itself indicates
the harmonious union of opposing forces -- and it's all about going with the
flow and moving fluidly within your own physical limitations.

Tai
chi isn't just for older folks. Yes, it's low impact, but anyone can enjoy the
numerous health benefits of the practice. Even those who are in poor health can
begin a tai chi practice and potentially improve their physical condition.